Eight different wines, 12 miles of cycling and enough rural beauty to satisfy anyone’s eco-appetite: I contend that the beauty of Long Island’s North Fork is best experienced on a bicycle as part of a bike tour.

I met up with my 30-or-so cycling buddies for a five-hour guided bike tour of North Fork vineyards with East End Bike Tours. (Tip: I purchased my tour through a popular online discount site for more than 50 percent off!) We met approximately 13 miles northeast of where the Long Island Expressway ends (or is it begins?).

After a quick bike-fitting (yes, size does matter if you want to enjoy the ride) and a safety briefing, we were off and pedaling through wine country. Tour guides wearing reflective vests bookended the parade of cyclists, answering questions and helping with any equipment difficulties along the way. There was even a support vehicle tagging along in the distance in case someone needed to drop out. But it was a relatively easy bike tour, even for a beginner. During my tour, with participants between the ages of 21 and 70, no one seemed to have an issue.

The trek began along Mattituck’s Main Road, which – as the name suggests – is quite busy. However, within minutes we ducked down a bucolic side road and skirted along Great Peconic Bay, the body of water that divides the East End into the North and South Fork. The congestion and mall shopping that often defines our island quickly faded from consciousness, enveloping me in sweet serenity.

Working our way into the hamlet of Laurel, we came upon our first stop, Laurel Lake Vineyards. We dismounted and sat at a reserved section of picnic tables where a buffet of wraps, salads and drinks awaited. After filling my belly with a delicious Santa Fe chicken wrap and some fresh mozzarella and pasta salad, I footed myself to the top of the vineyard’s two-story deck.

Don’t be deceived; on the North Fork, a two-story view makes you feel like you are on top of the world. After all, this is farm country, and the vineyard view was picturesque. All this joy and excitement and I hadn’t even had any wine yet!

“Swirl, smell, sip and spit,” our tour guide recommended. There was a collective secret wink among the group that said “yeah, right,” yet we had an absolute understanding that overindulgence was not an option. Not just for safety reasons, but to also avoid the embarrassment of being unable to complete the bike tour.

I am no sommelier, but I can tell you the best pairing was the warm sun and blue sky with the cold sauvignon blanc. Bursting with flavors of grapefruit and lime, the wine was refreshing and alive. After a few more tastings we hopped back on our bicycles.

We headed north toward the Long Island Sound, riding a couple of miles alongside Half Hollow Nursery, which features more than 600 acres of plant life and is home to the highest wind turbine on Long Island, standing at an imposing 156 feet.

The tempo on the North Fork is such a departure from the rest of New York that the irony of speeding through it on a bike can’t be lost. The flat, smooth asphalt helps create a biker’s paradise.

The next stop on our bike tour was Martha Clara, the family-friendly vineyard owned by the Entenmann family (yes, the cake people). Like many vineyards here, the parcel was once a potato farm. Located on Sound Avenue in Riverhead, the stop included an extra-virgin olive oil and vinegar sampling. The crusty bread came just as we were about to taste four wines. Perfect timing.

The pastoral surroundings of the North Fork make it feel almost criminal to step indoors, but Martha’s expansive indoor barn-style tasting room beckoned. With a vaulted ceiling and adjacent gift shop selling every conceivable wine accessory ever made (who knew a corkscrew could look like that?), it’s worth the trip.

Helmet back on, we were off again, this time pedaling along Sound Avenue, one of the main arteries running through the North Fork. In single file we made our way to Harbes Family Farm back in Mattituck, which offered us hand-picked veggies and my favorite farm stand treat, sugar-dusted apple cider donuts.

While we didn’t partake in the farm’s Barnyard Adventure, this kid-friendly venue offers up an array of animals, activities and games sure to please family members of all ages. And the free samples of farm-grown strawberries and fresh whipped cream were delightful.

The charm and beauty of the North Fork can’t be overstated. The purity of the air and unencumbered views make it a must-visit – especially by bike. And when traffic backs up during the peak summer and autumn season, be sure to wave as you coast by on two wheels. That’s part of the beauty of biking.

Did you know that AAA Northeast offers bicycle service if you break down while out for a spin? Click here to learn more.

The Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge – and dare I say an expectation to hear cliched cries for shrimp on the barbie – is what I expected to find in Sydney, Australia, after a seemingly impossible 25-hour flight from New England.

But as my wife and I made our way out of the airport with two strollers, two car seats, two suitcases, two backpacks and (thankfully) two toddlers, the first thing that struck me was the sounds of the birds. They were exotic and tropical. The caws of cockatoos, songs of rainbow lorikeets and shrieks of the kookaburras (which sound more like chimpanzees) made me feel like we were somewhere primal. Darwin’s world was opening before us!

All in the Family

The sheer mystery of what life might be like in Australia was enough for me and my wife to pack up our toddlers, ages 2 and 4, and head to the land Down Under for four months.

We arrived at our granny flat in one of the city’s Northern Beaches communities. At our first visit to a park, we made fast friends with local families who invited us to dinner within only an hour or two of knowing each other. The desire for genuine connection would continue everywhere we went.

Young families were thriving in the Sydney area. Shopping centers, parks, museums and restaurants all had fantastic amenities to keep children engaged and entertained while parents relaxed. Child safety is a national focus in Australia, and you can feel it in the air. You can see it on the happy faces of kids, all ages, that roam without parents well into the evening.

Wheels and Meals

Life on the go was exciting for us but we soon needed a car. A four-wheel-drive vehicle became the fifth member of our family. It allowed us to go to the fabulous Taronga Zoo in the morning, play with the kids at the Flying Fox playground in Mona Vale later that day and surf in the evening at Whale Beach.

As we ate on the move, we discovered a foodie’s paradise. We sampled fantastic hand-crafted sandwiches, five-star baked goods, world-class Pan-Asian cuisine and – to my delight – locally roasted coffee drinks that were the pride of every barista I encountered.

A Final Farewell

Our time in Sydney was soon over. We passed on our beloved 4×4 to dear new friends beginning their journey, and walked the coastal stretch of our final beach home, Maroubra, with a sense of nostalgia. We saw whales migrating offshore as the now-familiar songs of tropical birds played in the background. We had found a true home away from home.

During takeoff on the plane ride home, our youngest looked out the window, saying, “Buh-bye, Awww-tay-yah.” As if in direct response, a family of whales breached in the ocean waters below.

From fun coastal adventures to gardens and state parks, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about visiting Connecticut. You can plan and enjoy countless day trips in CT for families, like hiking Bear Mountain (Connecticut’s highest peak), enjoying the outdoors at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, or traveling back in time at Connecticut’s Dinosaur State Park. You can even spend the day floating down the Farmington River.

Whether you’re looking for discovery or a day of relaxation, there’s a variety of fun day trips in CT for any kind of adventure. Below are three of our favorite attractions for day trips in the Nutmeg State.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

When it comes to fun and educational day trips in CT, exploring nature’s little (and big!) critters is always a great way to spend a few hours. No matter what kind of wildlife you’re looking for, you can find it at one of the state’s many zoos, rehabilitation centers and aquariums. The list below is sure to get you in touch with your wild side.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport

From two-toed sloths to maned wolves and marmosets, there’s so much to see at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. With over 300 animals to boast of (primarily North and South American species), this zoo is one of the state’s top family attractions. And it’s open year-round! Spend an hour or the whole day visiting some of nature’s endangered and threatened species.

If you have two hours…

Trying to get through an entire zoo can be a little difficult. Instead, make the most of your time with some of these cool scavenger hunts. You can try to match animals to their descriptions and characteristics with the “Who Am I” Scavenger Hunt  or participate in the Endangered Species and Habitats hunt to learn about animals and places that need our help. No matter which one you choose, a scavenger hunt is a great way to give your trip a little direction and help the kids stay entertained. Print out a sheet before you head to the zoo.

If you have four hours…

Print a map and stroll through the zoo at your own pace. You can visit the walk-through aviary, check out the New England farmyard or explore the rain forest building. After all that walking, you and the kids are bound to get a little hungry. So stop by the Peacock Cafe for some hot food or enjoy an outdoor lunch in the Picnic Grove. Afterward, make a quick stop at the gift shop and carousel before heading out.

If you have six to eight hours…

Spending all day at the zoo might get a little tiring, especially with smaller children. You may want to consider breaking the day into separate activities. After a fun morning at the zoo, head out for lunch and then to a nearby attraction. Less than 15 minutes away, The Discovery Museum and Planetarium is another great place with hands-on activities that the kids will love exploring.

For more fun ways to get involved in with the great outdoors and its animals, check out some of the destinations below.

Action Wildlife – Goshen

The Maritime Aquarium – Norwalk

A Place Called Hope – Killingworth

Mystic Marinelife Aquarium – Mystic

Sharon Aubudon Center – Sharon

Take a Mid-Day Garden Stroll

For a day of awe-inspiring beauty, spend some time in Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens, the “Flower of New England Parks.”

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
1561 Asylum Ave., West Hartford

With so many beautiful flowers, bushes and trees around, these gardens are guaranteed to transport you to a place of relaxation and tranquility. Leave the kids at home and spend an afternoon with your significant other. The Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens is one of the most romantic day trips in CT. You can take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and see everything from tulips and perennials to roses, dahlias and more. And don’t worry, it’s open daily, so you can get your fill of gorgeous foliage, even during the frigid winter months.

If you have two hours…

Be sure to visit the rose garden. Opened in 1904 as the first public rose garden in the country, this beautiful spot is the heart and soul of the park. You can take a leisurely stroll through the “square” and enjoy 475 rose beds, over 15,000 rose bushes, and 800 varieties of old and new roses. And don’t forget to look at their names: They’re often fun and whimsical, like Bride’s Dream, Lemon Drop and Dainty Bess.

If you have four hours…

Check out more of the grounds, which include greenhouses, farmsteads, ponds and bridges. And before heading out, make your way over to the sunrise overlook (one of Hartford’s highest natural points). From there, you’ll have a fantastic view of the sweeping lawns and a large vista of the city, all bordered by beautiful trees and shrubs.

If you have six to eight hours…

Stop by the Pond House Cafe to experience one of the top dining destinations in Hartford. After walking through the park’s trails and paths, dining on the grounds is the perfect way to end a romantic day. Featuring local, organic ingredients, the creative menu is sure to please any palate. During the summer hours, the Dog House takeout window offers gourmet hot dogs, ice cream and other snacks. If you’re hoping to save a little money, picnicking is allowed on the property, but there are very few tables, so be sure to pack a blanket.

Looking for a more active way to end the day? Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens also has sports and recreation centers where you can play tennis, basketball or feel like a kid again by riding the swings at the playground.

For more beautiful Connecticut landscapes and gardens, check out these destinations below.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens  – Stamford

Marsh Botanical Garden – New Haven

New Canaan Nature Center –  New Canaan

Eklund Wildflower Garden – Shelton

Plan a Beach Day

What’s one of the best things about living in Connecticut?  The water, of course! No matter where you are in the state, chances are you’re within driving distance of a beach, which makes a day on the shore one of the easiest day trips in CT. You can pack up lunches and grab the kids for a fun and cheap adventure or you can indulge in some fresh seafood and frozen treats at nearby restaurants and shops. However you plan to spend the day, these beaches are loaded with fun activities.

Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road, Madison

As Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset offers over 2 miles of pristine shoreline just perfect for frolicking in the waves or lounging on the shore.

If you have two hours…

Try out some of the other activities at Hammonasset Beach State Park, like saltwater fishing or canoeing and kayaking (bring your own boat!). If you’ve had enough water for the day, you can always hit a concession stand or nosh on a homemade lunch at one of the many picnicking areas. You can even go bicycling or walk the park trails – both are a great way to dry off before heading to car.

If you have four hours…

Be sure to check out the Meigs Point Nature Center before heading out. After a day of swimming and sand castles, this is an excellent way for the kids to wind down. They can explore the touch tank, learn about nature and enjoy lots of other hands-on experiences. Visit the website to check out what’s on display.

If you have six to eight hours…

After a full day at the beach, drive through town and get some good eats! Nothing zaps your energy like a day under the sun, and sitting down to a delicious dinner with the family is a great way to end your fun day trip in CT. You can enjoy some great food, good company and get some energy for the drive back home. Check out Friends and Company for a family-friendly dining experience with a great view.

Looking for more Connecticut beaches and state parks with fun activities? Check out these destinations.

Rocky Neck State Park –East Lyme

Silver Sands State Park – Milford

Sherwood Island State Park – Westport

McCook Point Beach – East Lyme

When planning day trips in CT for families, there’s no lack of inspiration! In the warmer months, you can head to Lake Compounce for a fun afternoon of theme park thrills. Or you could visit Connecticut’s castle, or explore the Roaring Brook Nature Center with the little ones. Now’s a great time to get planning!

What are some other places that make for a great day trip in Connecticut? Tell us in the comments!

Want to lengthen your stay? Find and book a hotel in CT with AAA. 

This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated. 

Follow the epic story of American democracy. A heritage tour of America will give you a glimpse into the beginnings of a new nation as you tour America’s iconic cities. Join a local guide on a tour of New York City featuring the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and other time-honored landmarks.

Visit the presidential estates of Washington’s Mount Vernon and Jefferson’s Monticello. Walk the hallowed battlefield at Gettysburg. Tour some of Colonial Williamsburg’s 88 restored historic buildings. Travel along the famous Skyline drive and see amazing views of the Shenandoah Valley. Explore the countless treasures of the Smithsonian Institution. Learn what it’s like to Tour America’s most iconic cities here.

Tour America’s most iconic cities 

Day 1 – New York City – Tour Begins

Explore America’s heritage, history and scenic horizons as you travel the USA’s most historically significant east coast cities.

Day 2 – New York City

Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast at the famous Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Then, a local guide leads you on a fascinating tour of the “Big Apple.” You’ll see Greenwich Village, the Wall Street district, Little Italy, Chinatown, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and other time-honored landmarks. Visit St. Paul’s Chapel in Lower Manhattan, a place where George Washington once worshipped, and where recovery workers came for rest and care during their time at the World Trade Center site. This afternoon, discover “the city that never sleeps” at your own pace.

Day 3 – Philadelphia

This morning the choice is yours! Choose from a menu of New York’s diners for breakfast. Next up on this USA tour is Philadelphia.

Embark on a tour of Philadelphia, “the Birthplace of a New Nation,” which highlights the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Independence Hall is rich in heritage as the location of both the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the Constitution. Continue on to Gettysburg, site of the Union victory that marked a turning point in the Civil War. En route, travel through the Amish Country of Lancaster, the second-largest Amish community in America, and view the community farmlands. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a historic Gettysburg tavern.

Day 4 – Gettysburg

Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum. Begin your tour by experiencing the film “A New Birth of Freedom.” View the breathtaking Cyclorama, a 360-degree cylindrical painting by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux, depicting the climactic battle of Pickett’s Charge. Continue on to discover the Museum of the American Civil War and explore its galleries. Step onto the battlefield with a guided tour of the site illuminating those three historic days in 1863 and the decisive battle that changed the course of American history forever. This afternoon the choice is yours. You may choose to visit President Eisenhower’s home (a National Historic Site) where you will tour his farm, or perhaps you would prefer to embark on a guided walking tour of historic downtown Gettysburg with a local guide dressed in period clothing who will bring to life the true stories of the town’s civilians who were caught up in the battle. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked family-style meal in a historic barn (dating back to 1764) and experience life on a third generation family-owned farm.

Day 5 – Shenandoah Valley

Today we make our way to Virginia. Along the way, travel the USA’s Blue Ridge Mountains through Shenandoah National Park via the famous Skyline Drive, where scenic expanses of Shenandoah Valley wilderness extend in all directions. Pause at a local vineyard set in the picturesque countryside. Set out on a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of their delicious wines. This afternoon, explore Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the U.S., before dining at a local restaurant.

Day 6 – Williamsburg

Visit Monticello, the beautiful home and gardens of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was not only the third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence, but he was an accomplished inventor and true “Renaissance man.” This afternoon, arrive in the historic town of Williamsburg.

Tonight, begin your journey into Revolutionary-age America by dining in a Colonial Williamsburg tavern specializing in colonial fare.

Day 7 – Yorktown

Open the day by viewing “Story of a Patriot,” a short film that introduces you to Colonial Williamsburg, one of the world’s finest living history museums. Costumed re-enactors populate the streets and buildings, bringing the customs and sentiments of 1770 to life. Tour the Governor’s Palace and Gardens before enjoying time to independently wander the cobblestone streets and explore some of the 88 historic buildings.

This afternoon, visit the newly opened American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn about another poignant turning point in American history as you immerse yourself in the world of Revolutionary America. Here, at the Yorktown Battlefield, American independence was won. Tour the museum’s vibrant galleries and interactive exhibits in a state-of-the-art setting that will impact all your senses. Explore the expanded outdoor living history museum with a re-created Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm.

Day 8 – Washington, D.C.

Visit Mount Vernon, the beloved home of the first U.S. president, George Washington. Wander the beautiful plantation grounds he adored and tour the home, filled with 18th-century artifacts. Then, travel to Washington, D.C, a staple of USA tours.

Explore the world-famous Smithsonian Institution’s countless treasures. Choose between a visit to the famed National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of American History. Among the National Air and Space Museum’s collection in the location on the National Mall are the famous Wright 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module Columbia. The National Museum of American History features artifacts from locomotives to the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the national anthem; to the First Ladies Hall containing many ball gowns worn by America’s First Ladies. The evening is free to continue to explore on your own.

Day 9 – Washington, D.C.

This morning, a guided tour of America’s capital affords wonderful views of the Capitol building, the White House, monuments and museums. Your first stop will be the White House Visitor Center where you will gain insight into the many transitions this historic residence has undergone.

Continue your tour with a stop at the moving World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial. Your tour ends with a photo stop at the U.S. Capitol building. This afternoon, visit Arlington National Cemetery to view the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Kennedy gravesites. Toast the end of a wonderful trip this evening at a farewell dinner.

Day 10 – Washington, D.C. – Tour ends

Your tour ends in Washington, D.C. this morning.

Have incredible memories of the time you spent in one of the nation’s largest cities? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section. 

Learn more about this exciting trip. 

Get in touch with a AAA travel counselor to learn about AAA Vacations and start planning your next getaway today. As a AAA member, you’ll save even more. Not a member? Join now!

Car insurance is mandatory. Life insurance is important – especially when you start a family. And no one questions how vitally important health insurance is.

But travel insurance? If you’re young and most of your trips have been weekends across state lines, you may even wonder…

What is travel insurance?

Truth be told, many (more experienced) travelers know what it is, but are either 1) not convinced of its necessity or 2) confused about what it can and can’t do. But according to Matthew Kepnes, globe-trotting expert and author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, sorting out travel insurance myths and misconceptions is essential: “Travel insurance is one of the most important things to buy for your trip,” he writes in his blog, Nomadic Matt. “No matter how long you are going away for it is a must have.”

First, let’s highlight what travel insurance can do: Like other types of insurance, travel insurance policies cover unexpected expenses. Depending on the coverage you choose, this can include trip cancellation/interruption, transportation (flights, connections, car rentals), lost or delayed luggage, medical emergencies and more. If you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for these things, you should buy insurance for your trip.

Myth 1: My credit card will cover me

Travel Professional NEWS, an online resource for travel industry professionals, pegs this as the number one myth: Though credit cards promote their travel protection benefits, they’re often limited: “While they may offer base coverage for lost or stolen items or trip cancellation (assuming your customer purchased their travel with the card in question), many have low coverage limits, and very few offer any sort of coverage for medical emergencies or evacuations abroad (often, the priciest contingencies travelers may face).”

Myth 2: My health insurance will cover me

Your insurer may pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad, but many other benefits don’t apply outside the country. And Medicare, with rare exceptions, doesn’t cover charges incurred outside the U.S. Medical evacuation (which sounds dramatic but may be simply a matter of not having the right specialists nearby) is not covered. For post-emergency care especially, travel medical insurance is a must.

Myth 3: It’s too expensive

The typical range for travel insurance is 5-8% of the total cost of your trip. (We’ve seen the range placed at 4-8 and 5-10%.) True, the higher the cost of your getaway the more you’ll pay – but the reverse is also true: If you can’t afford to be out of pocket for a trip cancellation or a tour operator that’s suddenly gone bust, trip insurance provides the necessary protection.

Myth 4: You never see good reviews for travel insurers

As Nomadic Matt points out, “Most people don’t write good reviews when they are helped.” In his experience, “People buy it, don’t read the exact wording, and make assumptions about coverage. So, when something goes wrong, they scream bloody murder when something isn’t covered or when lacking supporting documents to support their claim and write a nasty review online.” Read the fine print and there will be no surprises.

Myth 5: No one cover pre-existing medical conditions

Some will, some won’t. Read the policies carefully – and be sure you understand every word of it – including all the terms and conditions. Keep in mind the term “pre-existing” can be broader than you think: If a check-up in August revealed you have coronary heart disease and you have a heart attack a month later in Rome, your insurer may consider the heart disease a “pre-existing condition.” If you have any lingering doubts, by all means pick up the phone and ask to speak to a specialist at the companies you’re considering.

Note: Don’t put it off, advises Consumer Reports: “If you want a policy that will cover an existing medical condition, you typically must apply within 10 days to a month of booking the trip.”

Myth 6: I can get it later if I think I’ll need it

No. See #5. The longer you wait, the more likely something will arise that insurance might be necessary – and then it will be too late. Remember, this type of insurance is for the sudden and unexpected. If they’ve already named the hurricane, it’s too late to buy trip cancellation insurance.

You need to keep every receipt and every scrap of paper to make a claim.

Gotcha! This not a myth; it’s absolutely true. You do have to keep a paper trail: receipts, itineraries, medical records, police reports, you name it. Still, careful documentation is a small price to pay for the peace of mind (and financial protection) a robust travel insurance policy ensures.

Do you have any personal stories about how travel insurance has helped you out of a jam overseas or any tales of claims you were surprised to find were covered? Feel free to share any tips or insights you may have in the comments.

Your AAA travel advisor can help you choose a travel insurance policy that’s right for you. Learn more.

Identity theft is a familiar hazard, but did you know that child identity theft is on the rise? A study by Javelin Strategy and Research found that over a million children were victims of identity fraud in 2017.

When an adult’s identity is stolen, it can often be caught quickly due to bank alerts and credit report discrepancies. Child identity theft can go undetected for many years, and can have serious consequences for victims.

Your child may not discover their identity has been stolen until he or she applies for a student loan and is denied due to a bad credit history.

Fortunately, as a parent there are some clear steps you can take to protect your child from identity theft. Read on to learn prevention strategies and how to recognize and respond if the information has already been compromised.

7 ways to protect your child from identity theft

Keep your child’s information safe

Lock up your child’s important paper documents, such as his or her Social Security card and birth certificate, and make sure any information that you store electronically is password protected. Sadly, 60 percent of child victims know their identity thief personally, with the highest perpetrators being family members and friends.

Also, be discerning about what entities you give your child’s Social Security number to. Schools, doctor’s offices and even summer camps and little league may ask for a Social Security number, but they don’t need it.

The more locations your child’s information is stored, the higher the risk that it can be accessed by a data breach or fall into unsavory hands. If someone insists on it, ask why and request details on how it will be used, stored and protected.

Teach your child to protect his or her information

Two-thirds of victims are under the age of 8 when their data is stolen, but older children are also at risk, especially from predators online. Educate your child on which information is safe and not safe to share on the internet and teach them how to identify potential scams.

The Javelin Study found that children who experience online bullying are also nine times more likely to be victims of identity fraud. Children who are oversharing personal details on the internet are vulnerable to become targets of both emotional bullying and financial fraud.

Know the warning signs

Be alert to the warning signs that your child’s personal information has been stolen and is being used. Phone calls from debt collectors or suspicious mail such as pre-approved credit cards, financial offers, jury summonses or notices from the IRS that they owe income taxes are all major red flags.

Take data breaches seriously

If you’re notified of a data breach at your child’s school, doctor’s office or other institution that’s been entrusted with sensitive information, it’s imperative that you take action, as your child is a prime target for identity thieves.

The Javelin study found that for households notified of a data breach, 19 percent of adults affected by the breach became victims. A startling 39 percent of children were victimized.

Get theft protection

AAA members have access to a service through Experian that enables you to catch fraudsters in the act. Theft Protection includes child identity monitoring which will give you real-time alerts if someone is using your child’s data.

Freeze your child’s credit

Many states will allow you to proactively freeze your child’s credit so no one will be able to open lines of credit in his or her name. You can contact the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to get more information on this process.

Monitor existing accounts

If your child already has existing financial accounts open, actively monitor the account statements and keep an eye out for alerts to ensure there is no unusual activity.

 What to do if your child’s identity has been stolen

If you’ve noticed some red flags and suspect your child’s identity may have been stolen, here’s what you can do next.

Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus and ask to obtain your child’s credit report. If there’s no credit report for your child it is a good sign, but contact them via writing and ask that they check manually to ensure they don’t have a file for your child.

If you receive a credit report for your child, chances are that fraud has occurred. Let the credit bureaus know that your child is a minor and a victim of identity fraud. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your child’s file and to remove the fraudulent activity. Then file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.

Child identity theft is a real threat. What will you do to ensure your child’s information is secure?

Ah, Orlando! Land of theme parks and strip malls and lizards. Land of heatstroke and photo ops and tourism. It will surprise very few readers to hear that tourism is Orlando’s bread and butter. When I lived there, there were three different helicopter tour companies located within walking distance of my apartment. In Orlando, everything is expected to be an event, including dining out. That’s why Orlando, Florida is home to some of the craziest theme restaurants in the world.

Raglan Road

Everyone has the luck of the Irish at Raglan Road, a lively theme restaurant in Disney Springs. Designed like an improbably large and cavernous Irish pub, Raglan Road invites you and your family to tuck in to some amazing Celtic cuisine. While you dine on shepherd’s pie, soda bread and Guinness-and-onion bangers, you can see some amazing entertainment. Every night, Irish musicians and Irish step dancers put on an amazing show for the diners. They weave around the chairs, dance on top of tables and even bring some of the wee ones up on stage. The craic is contagious.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen

This sweet spot, very loosely inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, located at Universal CityWalk. Toothsome is designed like a steampunk chocolate factory, with copper gears, “smoke stacks” and costumed characters to boot. You can eat a good dinner or lunch at the restaurant, but the best thing about Toothsome is its milkshakes. The milkshakes at Toothsome are piled high with sweets like ice cream, cupcakes and chocolate. There are almost 30 different kinds to choose from, each one more delicious than the last.

50’s Prime Time Café
(requires park admission)

Situated inside the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the 50’s Prime Time Café, a table service restaurant with a fifties theme. This is one of my favorite restaurants out of all the Disney parks because of its intense commitment to theming. 50’s Prime Time is decorated like a house straight out of a fifties-era sitcom, with vintage knick-knacks hanging from the walls and a black-and-white television at every table. The waiters and waitresses are all your aunts, uncles and cousins, who will admonish you for bad table manners and gently tease you as they serve up comfort food. If your table isn’t ready yet, you can grab a drink in Dad’s den, also known as the Tune-In Lounge.

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

Hoop Dee Doo is expensive. I’m not going to lie to you. It’s expensive and it’s difficult to book and it’s hard to find even with Disney transportation. And yet, even with all that, it’s one of the best theme restaurants in Walt Disney World, and it’s been running since the seventies. Hoop Dee Doo is dinner theatre for the whole family with a frontier theme. The food is incredible (and it often comes in buckets to your table) and the drinks are free-flowing (although they do not come in buckets to your table). You and your family will have an amazing night laughing, singing, twirling your napkins overhead and strumming on washboards.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

If you’re coming down with a case of the Mondays, it might be time to head over to Margaritaville, a restaurant based on the oeuvre of none other than island boy Jimmy Buffett himself. The restaurant features a Grumman Albatross plane that Buffett once piloted himself, and was the inspiration for one of his songs. It also features a “volcano” that goes off every hour, and a giant blender that’s always mixing up a waterfall of fruity cocktails. As for the food, you can’t go wrong ordering a Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Taverna Opa

Visit a little slice of the Mediterranean right on International Drive at Taverna Opa, a lively Greek theme restaurant. The interior of Taverna Opa is full of old-world charm, brightly-painted walls and even a tree. As you sit down, you’ll notice that the surface of your table is scuffed. At seven o’clock every night, the reason for that becomes obvious as the restaurant fills with belly dancers and Zorba dancers who invite you to get up with them and dance on top of the tables. Napkins and plates start flying, and before you know it, you and everyone else in the restaurant are dancing the Kalamatianós.

‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s

Both ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar are two theme restaurants located in Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort. Together, dinner at ‘Ohana and drinks at Trader Sam’s are a perfect night out. ‘Ohana is a restaurant serving up Polynesian menu items and entertainment for the whole family. You’ll be greeted to your dinner by the sound of a conch shell and even invited to race coconuts across the floor. If you’re headed to ‘Ohana for brunch, you can even meet Lilo and Stitch there. Trader Sam’s is a Disney fan favorite with tropical tiki decor, fruity cocktails and colorful effects that are triggered by what you order.

What are some of your favorite theme restaurants in Orlando? Share them with us in the comments below!

Plan and book an Orlando vacation with AAA.  

Workout routines don’t have to be rigorous and daunting. In fact, with a healthy diet and 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week, your cardiovascular health can improve tremendously. So what’s the key to creating a workout routine that sticks? Having a good time!

Finding activities you actually enjoy is the No. 1 way to ensure exercising doesn’t become a chore. You can go for a hike, take a dance class or even walk the dog. As long as you’re keeping an elevated heart rate, those extra pounds will come off naturally.

To help kick start your journey to healthy living, here’s a list of workout routines that are great for cardio and a whole lot of fun.

Fun Workout Routines

Zumba

If you’re looking for an exercise routine that’ll get you moving and keep it interesting, then Zumba is the perfect solution. You’ll be on the go constantly with this full-body workout. And depending on your sex, fitness level and body weight, you can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour.

During this dance/fitness class combo, you’ll listen to fun beats as you meet new people and burn calories with Latin- and salsa-inspired moves.

Zumba classes are designed to accommodate all dance and fitness levels, making this is one healthy exercise routine everyone can enjoy.

Two left feet?

Step aerobic exercise routines are a great alternative for those a little less coordinated. This activity is another great workout for the cardiovascular system and still a lot of fun.

Inline skating

With this low-impact exercise, you’ll build cardio and endurance while toning the lower body, strengthening your quads and lifting those pesky glutes. The best part? This healthy exercise routine won’t even feel like a workout.

Just 30 minutes of inline skating at a moderate pace can burn between 210 and 460 calories, while 30 minutes of fast-paced interval skating can burn even more.

Enjoy countless health benefits as you glide over the pavement. A local bike path would make a great spot to test out your wheels.

Reminder: Please be sure to wear a helmet and knee and wrist pads, especially if you’re just learning.

Too cold outside?

Head indoors to a nearby roller rink or try an exercise that’s better suited to chilly weather like ice skating or skiing.

Kickboxing

Working out in the gym can make exercise routines feel monotonous and boring. If you’re looking for a way to mix it up and burn some serious calories with your workout routines, then kickboxing is definitely worth a try.

Combining martial arts techniques and heart-pumping cardio, kickboxing is a full-body workout. Instructors put together various kicking and punching routines that will leave you sweaty and breathless – and invigorated and ready for more.

If you weigh 150 pounds, you can expect to burn between 325 and 450 calories in just 30 minutes. With this activity you’ll tone up your core and body, learn self-defense and release tons of tension.

But remember, kickboxing is a high-energy workout and may require higher fitness levels. Be sure to start – and stay – at a pace that’s right for you.

Too intense?

Replace kickboxing with an aerobic exercise like jump-rope. Not only is this fun activity a blast from the past, but it’s an extremely effective full-body workout. Jumping rope for 10 minutes equals 30 minutes of running! Your fitness level and cardiovascular endurance will increase in no time.

Hiking

The great thing about hiking is that you can take your workout routines to so many places – a neighborhood park, a gorgeous nature preserve, a salt-splashed trail by the ocean … the options are endless. You just need a good pair of comfy shoes. (If you’re tackling tougher terrain, like steep climbs or paths strewn with tree roots, you should invest in a sturdy pair of hiking boots.)

Hiking is a great low-impact activity that’s easy on your joints. And as a weight-bearing exercise, hiking helps strengthen bones and decrease bone loss. Plus, you’ll burn loads of calories just from taking a simple walk in the woods. According to the American Hiking Society, you can expect to burn about 100 calories for each mile hiked. But you can up that figure if you pick up your pace a little. Just walking at a pace of 2.5 miles an hour will burn 250 calories.

Before you go: You should always have a map of your route and a phone in case you get lost. Also pack lots of water, snacks, and some sunscreen and bug spray if you’re out during the warm weather.

Too outdoorsy?

You can always take your walks inside. Hop on a treadmill and adjust the speed and incline to simulate a heart-pumping hike, minus the rain, bugs and heat. You can even head to the mall to get in your steps.

What are your favorite workouts? Tell us in the comments! 

Visit two of the continent’s most iconic cities, London and Paris, as you travel Europe the way it was meant to be traversed on a AAA Vacations tour. Both are distinct in history, grandeur and abundance of amazing sites.

Discover the treasures of London at your own pace while on a hop-on/hop-off tour. Perhaps you’ll visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Hyde Park or the British Museum. You could even attend a live theatrical performance at the Globe Theatre or on the West End. After your days in London, travel Europe in style aboard the Eurostar high-speed train to Paris.

The city of Paris will enchant you, bursting with life, elegant and yet quaint. Enjoy a guided city tour taking in the timeless Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Èlysées, to the impressive Notre Dame Cathedral. A cruise along the River Seine will give you a new perspective of this incredible city. Do all of this with the helping hand of your dedicated city ambassadors, who will open the door to every step of your European journey. See what a sample itinerary for one of these trips looks like below.

Travel Europe, London and Paris

Day 1 – Arrive in London

After your plane lands, you’ll be greeted upon arrival at London’s Heathrow airport by your driver. Your driver will then escort you to your hotel, which is situated in the very heart of London. Here you will meet your local city ambassador, whose experience and sage expertise will guide you in planning your personalized sightseeing itinerary. Your city ambassador’s aim is to make your visit to the iconic city of London both memorable and exciting. For a particularly engaging experience, you can enjoy a complimentary traditional pub dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Day 2 – London

Explore London and its top attractions from an open top hop on / hop off bus ride. Climb aboard for the day, sit back, relax and enjoy the live commentary recounting London’s 2,000-year history. Hop on and off as often as you wish to visit famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and so much more. Don’t be afraid to ride the towering London Eye—it’s one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Day 3 – London

On day three, you’re free to discover London at your leisure. You may decide to shop at the world famous Harrods department store, or wander through picturesque Hyde Park. Or you may opt for an adventure outside the city of Windsor Castle, one of the oldest royal residences still in use today. For lovers of English literature, Shakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theatre is not to be missed. History buffs can head on over to the Tower of London for a historic tour given by a bonafide Beefeater.

Day 4 – Travel to Paris

After breakfast, transfer to the train station and depart Paris with a first class train ticket aboard the Eurostar high-speed train. Cross the English Channel to arrive in the beautiful “City of Lights.” Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet with your local city ambassador for an introduction to Paris. The rest of the day is yours for independent exploration. There’s nothing more romantic or inspiring than losing yourself in the twisting streets of gay Paris.

Day 5 – Paris

A guided tour of Paris takes you to all of the city’s quintessential landmarks. On the tour, you will be able to visit amazing Parisian treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees and the Pont de la Concorde as well as others. The tour concludes with a romantic cruise along the Traversée de Paris, or Paris waterway, of the River Seine. The Seine winds through the very heart of the city and has been the site of innumerable historic events throughout Paris’ long history. After the cruise, the afternoon is yours to continue to enjoy and discover Paris. You may choose an optional Art Nouveau walking tour, to visit the Louvre or to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

Day 6 – Paris

On day six, the city of Paris is yours to uncover. You may decide to relive history with a visit to Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens of Versailles on an optional excursion. Make sure not to miss a visit to Paris’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, where you may enjoy a romantic dinner and magnificent panoramic views of the city.

Day 7 – Adieu

Bid adieu to Paris and say farewell to London as you return home after a visit to two of the world’s most beloved cities.

Do you have stories from your favorite trip to London, Paris or another way to travel Europe? Let us know in the comments below.

Learn more about this exciting trip. 

Get in touch with a AAA travel counselor to learn about AAA Vacations and start planning your next getaway today. As a AAA member, you’ll save even more. Not a member? Join now!

Why drag your luggage from the curb to the terminal when you can ride it? Yup, ride on luggage is not a pie-in-the-sky Jetson’s concept. It’s here today, already invading airports across the globe.

For anyone who has been in the market for a suitcase or luggage set, you already know that the buying process is akin to purchasing a car or a mattress: The reality is, you won’t know if you made the right decision until you start to use it on a regular basis.

And there are more options and considerations than ever before.

From total luggage weight to navigability to the number of pockets to visibility – buying a suitcase takes some research.

Ride on luggage

Today, we bring you the Modobag, the self-proclaimed first motorized/smart/connected carry-on bag that is TSA and FAA compliant. In a nutshell, this piece of ride on luggage will take a person under 260lbs approximately 6 miles. It charges using a standard outlet in around an hour. It also boasts two USB charging stations and delivers over 4,000 charges throughout its lifetime. Add on a proprietary tracking app for an extra layer of loss prevention.

The motorized bag has come to life thanks to funding via Indiegogo.

As with any investment, you want to make sure you are purchasing what you actually need. If your travel generally consists of one annual vacation, ride on luggage is likely not for you. With a price tag that can exceed four digits, it’s unlikely the motorized purchase would ever pay for itself.

Plus, what type of person are you? I am a gadget junkie. But I’m also fairly quiet. I also pride myself on being an active person. So as much as I dig the convenience of rideable luggage, I would feel guilty sacrificing steps and likely be self-conscious over the additional attention early adopters are likely to get when they are zipping along at the airport.

There are plenty of people who like to walk but would love to simply scoot along after a long day of flying. Ride on luggage does sound like a hard deal to pass up on.

What makes the perfect carry-on?

The ideal carry-on is a subjective topic. Here are a few things that are important to me.

Wheels  

For years I made the mistake of throwing things into a duffel bag. The reality is, as you get older, draping anything over your shoulder for an extended period is not a good idea. As my work travel schedule picked up over the years, I finally caved to a set of wheels. I started with generic wheels, similar to the small ones you would find on a skateboard. However, this setup still requires the operator to manage a good portion of the weight. Enter spinner wheels. These move in all four directions and require less stability from the user.

Pockets
My carry-on bag often includes an eclectic mix of stuff. To be blunt, I don’t need my boxers mingling with my protein bars; my hairspray spritzing my laptop. A useful bag will keep the separation of church and state at all times. I look for waterproof pockets (leaks happen!), mesh netting to hold an extra pair of shoes, and ways to divide all of my portable chargers and electronics.

Weight
Even if you opt for ride on luggage, keep in mind that these bags can weigh over 20 lbs. before you pack a single item! And curb jumps and stairs are a guarantee. Often, a hard case versus soft case carry-on comes down to sheer preference. The additional pockets, lighter weight and flexibility you get with soft luggage come with a tradeoff: less protection and weakened security.

Exterior Material
Ripstop nylon is my bag material of choice. Aside from being weatherproof, it is tear and rip resistant, with an awesome strength-to-weight ratio. If you are in the market for a hard shell carry-on, consider polycarbonate. It’s fairly lightweight and impact-resistant.

Design
It still blows my mind that the majority of luggage circling on the carousel is black or dark blue. When I check luggage, I try not to depend on a unique luggage tag or colorful knotted rope. Instead, I buy the most colorful bag I can find. Time is money, and the quicker I get my bag, the quicker I’m where I want to be – which is pretty much any place other than the airport. The same rule applies for carry-ons. Your item can shift during travel. You also might forget which bin you placed it in or, worse yet, it can be placed into a hold before you board.

Whether or not ride on luggage moves past the novelty stage remains to be seen. But with airlines turning bags into big business, I expect the future will hold greater fees for bigger carry-on bags. You’ll also have many travelers taking advantage of rewards offered to passengers willing to leave a lot of their stuff at home.

Keep in mind that airlines are permitted to have individual policies in regards to carry-on luggage. Be sure to check with your favorite air provider before making a luggage purchase.

So where do you sit when it comes to ride on luggage? Willing to put yourself out there and take it for a spin? Or will you stick to spinning wheels and people movers?

While the big U.S. gaming  brands have been focused on developing properties in the new Asian gambling hubs of Macau and Singapore, one Malaysian company has set its sights on the USA – and  hit  the jackpot when it won a license to open Resorts World New York City – the first-ever casino in the Big Apple.

Genting Group of Malaysia made a proposal to build a casino on the Aqueduct Racetrack property in Ozone Park in 2009. They paid $380 million to the state for the license to develop its “racino.”

Resorts World New York opened in 2011 with 5,500 slots and electronic table games on two levels.  It was an immediate success, attracting not only locals but also travelers on flights into nearby JFK airport. For those with long layovers, or stopovers in NYC, Resorts World New York casino was a great option.

The Resorts World Queens property soon became the highest-grossing slots casino in the world. Players drop about $20 billion a year into those 5,500 machines, and the returns are higher than at almost any other gaming destination in the States, according to Genting.

Resorts World New York has helped revitalize and upgrade the area, and contributed an estimated $1.9 billion to the New York State Education Fund. There’s been some protest, but for the most part the local politicians and businesses are supportive.

In July, they received approval for a $400 million expansion that will add another 1,000 gaming machines, four new dining spots (one with an as-yet-unnamed celebrity chef), retail stores selling  locally produced goods and a four-star, 400-room hotel. They broke ground in late summer and expect the new additions to be open sometime in 2019.

About two hours north of the Queens casino, Catskills’ Resorts World casino opened in the spring of 2018. It has 100,000 square feet of gaming space, 100-plus gaming tables, 2,150 state-of-the-art slot machines, private gaming salons and a poker room. The 18-story casino also features 332 all-suite luxury rooms, including even two-story villas, eight garden suites, 12 penthouse suites, spa and fitness center and two indoor pools. 10 bar and restaurant options include fine dining and an Italian steakhouse created by celebrity chef Scott Conant.

Resorts World Catskills casino is part of a $1.2 billion, four-season destination resort complex in Sullivan County. Adelaar, as it’s called, encompasses 1,700 acres of this scenic region once known as the Borscht Belt. It will offer all types of outdoor activities and sports, including a Rees Jones-redesigned golf course, an indoor waterpark, and an “entertainment village” with a mix of  restaurants, theaters, night spots, and  lodgings.

Resorts World Las Vegas is currently under construction. On the horizon? Miami.

Have you ever been to Resorts World New York? Let us know about your experience in the comments below!

Plan your next trip with AAA. 

Kids and credit cards may not seem like a match made in heaven, but in many ways starting you children on the path to responsible credit should start when they are young. Teaching your kids about the benefits and dangers of credit cards will go a long way toward their financial stability in the future. Here’s why giving your child their first credit card might not be such a crazy idea.

• Managing credit teaches financial literacy – This knowledge is not ingrained in American children, and it isn’t often taught in school either. Using a credit card will teach your children to budget, manage debt and track spending. With a cash allowance, kids may not remember or care where their money goes each month, but a credit card comes with a paper (or electronic) trail that allow kids to see what they’re spending their money on.

Teaching your children to use their first credit card

Teaching your kid to use their first credit card responsibly is a step-by-step process. Move from one step to the next only when your kids have proven that they are ready. While it’s never too early to start teaching your kids about managing their finances, transitioning to credit cards will depend on their ages and maturity level. Here’s an overview of the transition process, starting from elementary school age.

Give your young children an allowance

You can start teaching your children about saving, spending and budgeting when they are very young. Give them a cash allowance and have them keep half for spending and half for savings. You could also have them set aside a small portion for tithing or donating to a charity they care about. Their savings can be put in a bank account or a piggy bank. Encourage your kids to save up for something big. Young children will feel a huge sense of accomplishment when they plan and budget for a large item with their own money.

Teach your children to use a debit card

Once your kids understand the ins and outs of budgeting and saving, you can start putting their allowance, birthday money and other savings into a joint bank account. By the time they are in middle school, they should be ready for debit card that they can use to pay for items that they need or want. Teach kids about making safe online purchases and keeping their card and PIN number secure. A debit card will help your kids get used to carrying around a card and not buying what they can’t afford to pay for. To avoid overdraft fees on the account, be sure to open an account that offers overdraft protection.

Make your kids authorized users on your credit card account

By the time your kids are in high school, they will hopefully be well on their way to a healthy relationship with money and credit cards. When you think they’re ready, the next step is to make them an authorized user on your account. It’s important to note that if your kids overspend or can’t pay you for their purchases, you will be legally responsible to pay the bill. Many card issuers will let you set up an alert if your authorized users spend past a certain threshold.

Making your child an authorized user will also allow you to transfer your credit history for that card to your child, which will help them to build credit faster.

Your child’s very own credit card

By the time your children turn 18, they will be ready to take the leap and get their first credit cards on their own. A first credit card should have a low interest rate, no annual fee,  and ideally, a very low credit limit. Let your children research credit cards themselves, and then discuss their choices with you before deciding which card to apply for.

By taking small steps with your children to help them learn about credit and credit cards, you will teach them a valuable lesson – not only about the importance of budgeting and spending wisely, but also about the importance of a good credit score and how it affects future borrowing. No matter how old your child is, they’re never too young to start learning the importance of responsible credit card use.

Do you think kids should use debit or credit cards? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

By Rebecca Galib and Cassandra Raposo

The Caribbean islands have much to offer, from cultural traditions to pristine beaches kissed by the clear, blue ocean. Whether you’re bumming it at the beach, exploring a tropical island paradise or tasting some local cuisine, you’ll find utter satisfaction and relaxation no matter your budget.

Budget: Jamaica

Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott Kingston is a 25-minute drive away from the Norman Manley International Airport. The hotel is close to shopping, dining, entertainment and tourist sites such as Emancipation Park and the Devon House. With free parking, gym access and Wi-Fi, you’ll feel right at home.

Do: Take in 200 acres of natural beauty at the Hope Botanical Gardens with a variety of exotic flowers, cactuses and bougainvillea. If you’re a history buff, visit Fort Charles in Port Royal, the home of pirates and outlaws in the 1600s, or take a trip to the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston to learn about art, science and agriculture.

Dine: For full-fledged Jamaican flavors, head to Sweetwood Jerk Joint in Kingston for a wide menu of jerk meats, like pork and chicken, grilled right in front of you. Usain Bolt’s (yes, that Usain Bolt) Tracks and Records offers authentic Caribbean flair with a contemporary twist. Try the whole fried fish or the jerk chicken spring rolls.

Mid-Range: Aruba

Stay: One of the best Aruba beaches for swimming is 2-mile-long Palm Beach. As such, the area has the highest concentration of oceanfront resorts, like Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club. This affordable, family-oriented resort offers up plenty of fun for parents and kids alike, from a lazy river to themed buffet nights.

Do: Eleven casinos call Aruba home. But if casinos aren’t your thing, you can snorkel or scuba dive in the island’s crystal-clear waters. For a change of pace, underwater tours with Atlantis Submarines Expedition in Oranjestad give visitors an up-close look at Barcadera Reef and different shipwrecks.

Dine: There’s something for everyone at the restaurants in Aruba, from surf and turf to international cuisine. Papillon Restaurant in Palm Beach features classic French flavors with a Caribbean flair, while Yemanja Woodfired Grill in Oranjestad offers a menu of comfort food for vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Luxury: St. Lucia

Stay: The AAA Four Diamond Rated Anse Chastanet Resort in Soufriere has a view of the Petit Piton and Gros Piton mountains. Its spacious cottages, stunning views and beautiful art murals earned a AAA inspector’s “Best Of” award for wow effect.

Do: Dig your toes into the black sand at Anse Chastanet Beach, play 18 holes at St. Lucia Golf Club or take a helicopter tour of the island. On Friday night, go to a “jump up,” a street party with reggae and soca music, in Gros Islet or Anse la Raye.

Dine: Great Room, a AAA Four Diamond Rated restaurant in Soufriere, features Caribbean and international fare like rack of lamb and yellowtail snapper. In Marigot Bay, you’ll find Masala Bay, which serves Hakka cuisine, a blend of Indian and Chinese cooking.

Have you vacationed in the Caribbean? Share your adventures in the comments!

Let AAA help you plan your next vacation. Go to AAA.com/Travel.

Though it may be fun having your pet partake in the Thanksgiving meal, be cautious when giving handouts. Some food items are toxic to animals and can cause health problems down the road.

You should always use caution when feeding your pet human food, said Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

“If your pet doesn’t have any medical conditions, they can have up to 10 percent of their daily calories from treats, including some human foods,” she said, noting, however, that some pets have sensitive stomachs and shouldn’t have any sudden changes in food.

Common Thanksgiving dishes can make healthy snacks for pets, Linder said. For instance, white meat turkey breast (40 calories per ounce), baby carrots (4-5 calories each) and green beans (2 calories each) won’t upset their balanced diets.

“Fruits and vegetables are usually the safest way to provide pets a little extra on the holidays without hurting them,” Linder said.

Linder warns against feeding your pet any of the following toxic foods.

• Macadamia nuts.
• Garlic.
• Onions and chives.
• Grapes.
• Raisins.
• Chocolate.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and other products).

Onions and garlic can cause blood problems, while raisins and grapes can lead to kidney disease. She also warns against giving pets fatty foods, like turkey skin, that can cause vomiting or pancreatitis. Linder also cautions against giving pets bones, which can get stuck in airways or intestines.

If your pet eats something it shouldn’t, call your vet. If it’s not open, contact animal poison control for instructions.

For healthy human foods to give your pet, visit the Cummings Veterinary medical Center’s pet nutrition blog, Petfoodology, at vetnutrition.tufts.edu/petfoodology.

What healthy snacks do you share with your pet? Tell us in the comments!

For more articles on pets, click here.

Increasing a home’s energy efficiency benefits both the environment and a homeowner’s wallet.

That’s why the folks at Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, in Connecticut, make the homes they build and rehabilitate as energy efficient as possible.

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Executive Director Bill Casey. “Both for the environment, and for keeping monthly utility bills down.”

Keeping energy costs down is particularly important, since the homes are sold to low-income families in need of housing. To this end, the organization uses all LED light fixtures, high efficiency gas boilers and Energy Star-certified appliances, typically donated by companies, at its build sites.

Insulation and caulking, which reduce heat loss, are also important to increasing the energy efficiency of a home, Casey said.

Once the home is complete, a certified Home Energy Rating System rater conducts an energy performance assessment. The score is determined by variables such as air leakage, windows and doors, ceilings and roofs, attics and crawlspaces, and the HVAC and water heating system. Having an energy audit done on your home is a good place to start if you want to see what can be improved. In the meantime, here are some quick tips for keeping your energy costs down.

Double up on insulation.

The attic is where the most heat loss occurs, Casey said. Heat escapes during cold months, causing homeowners to turn up the heat and cranking up the heating bill. Installing additional insulation may help keep heat loss at a minimum.

Check for drafts.

Caulking around windows and doors can also prevent heat loss. Check for areas that need caulking by walking around your home with a candle. Watch the flame – outside air will make it fl icker as you walk by, indicating a draft.

Use Energy Star-certified appliances.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and even electronics can be Energy Star-certified. Look for the blue Energy Star label – products that have it are independently certified to save energy, help protect the environment and help reduce energy bills.

Switch to LED lighting.

According to www.energystar.gov, LED light fixtures produce light approximately 90 percent more efficiently and last longer than incandescent light bulbs.

Look for rebates.

Some states offer rebates, incentives and tax credits for energy-efficiency improvement projects. Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, www.energy.gov, to search for programs in your state.

Consult a professional before making any home improvements.

How do you keep your home energy efficient? Share in the comments!

Visit AAA.com/Insurance for a free quote.

Since 1959, kids around the globe have been captivated by Barbie, playing with her dolls, her friends and accessories like the Barbie Dream House. They’ve even watched her on the big screen. Today, they’re still watching her, but on a smaller screen.

That’s right: Barbara Millicent Roberts is a YouTuber.

Barbie sits in front of a camera, at her desk in her bedroom in Malibu, Calif., and “vlogs” – or video blogs – about what’s on her mind on her official YouTube channel. Some videos are about serious topics like bullying, while others are tutorials or fun challenges.

She’s like every other “vlogger” in many ways, except one: She’s animated and played by a voice actor.

Her first vlog was uploaded in June 2015 and, since then, her videos have amassed over 7 million views.

Some of her videos have gained attention from adults. A video titled “Feeling blue? You’re not alone,” where she says it’s OK to be sad sometimes, has more than 1 million views.

Is her channel an attempt by Mattel to remain relevant in the digital age? Or is it an attempt to make up for Barbie’s sometimes-spotty past? (Barbie dolls have received criticism for reinforcing gender stereotypes and being unhealthy role models for young girls.)

But today’s vlogger Barbie is more empowering. Her videos highlight inspiring women like Frida Kahlo and Amelia Earheart, encourage viewers to use math and science to solve everyday problems, and promote wellness activities like yoga and meditation. At the end of each video, she signs off by saying “PACE!,” an acronym for “Positive Attitude Changes Everything.”

Along with the recent introduction of Barbie dolls of varying body types and sizes, perhaps this signals a new age for Barbie.

What was your favorite toy when you were young? Tell us in the comments!

For more Now & Then articles, visit AAA.com/NowThen.

Holiday travel season and cold-and-flu season are upon us and, for many, the two go hand in hand.

“Around the holidays, people have to travel, sick or well,” said Dr. Nina Shapiro, author of “Hype: A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice.” That puts a lot of contagious people in close quarters, which perpetuates these illnesses, she said.

Myths and misinformation add to travelers’ woes. Follow Shapiro’s advice for a healthier trip.

Myth 1:

A flu shot will give you the flu. You hear lots of stories of folks who came down with the flu the week they got their flu shot, but the shot didn’t cause the illness. “The shot takes about two weeks to have effect, so during that two-week period after the flu shot people can get the flu because they were exposed to the flu, not because they got the flu shot,” Shapiro said. Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick during flu season.

Myth 2:

Cold weather will give you a cold. “Cold temperature does not cause a cold. A virus causes a cold,” Shapiro said. So worry less about what the weather is doing and more about commonsense preventive measures like hand-washing and staying away from people who are sick.

Myth 3:

Megadose on vitamin C to stay healthy. “There is no supplement or tea or pill that will  prevent colds,” Shapiro said. Those massive doses of vitamin C just wash through your

body without doing anything for your immune system. What will? A good night’s rest. “People really underestimate the importance of regular, good-quality sleep,” Shapiro said.

“Because if you are sleep deprived you are a little more susceptible to getting illnesses.”

Myth 4:

Antibiotics will help. “Antibiotics are one of the most overused medications in this country,” Shapiro said. Most respiratory illnesses are viruses, and antibiotics won’t touch those at all.

The best thing you can do if you have a cold or the flu is stay home and rest. If you must travel, Shapiro recommends bringing everyone their own bottle of nasal saline to help clear inflammation, packing plenty of tissues and baby wipes to keep hands, faces and surfaces clean, and trying an over-the counter decongestant to help with takeoff and landing.

How do you travel when you’re sick? Leave some tips in the comments!

For more articles healthy travel, visit AAA.com/LiveWell.

Ah, Thanksgiving. Time to gather with family and friends, give thanks for what we have … and stuff our faces with all the traditional favorites: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, veggies and oodles of desserts.

Why not spice up your Turkey Day table this year with a new twist on a favorite classic? Who knows – you may just start a new tradition.

Corn

No matter what form it takes – cornbread, creamed corn or just plain corn on the cob – there’s no escaping corn on Thanksgiving. How about putting it in a soup this year? Chef Chris Coombs of AAA Four Diamond Rated Deuxave, in Boston, shared his recipe for cream of corn soup. He makes his own stock by letting corncobs steep in a large saucepan for 45 minutes. Add this, along with cream, to cooked corn and onions, then puree and pass through a fine mesh sieve for a silky, smooth soup.

Green Bean Casserole

Don’t spiff up green bean casserole by adding bacon or french-fried onions; use a different vegetable instead: kohlrabi. Chef Rhys Lewis from the AAA Four Diamond Rated Woodstock Inn and Resort in Woodstock, Vt., uses kohlrabi – a cousin of cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts – in a casserole- like kohlrabi pave. Lay a thin layer of shaved kohlrabi in a baking dish. Top with a layer of Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil. Next layer on thin sliced potatoes and repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Next, pour cream over the pave and bake until golden brown and tender.

Grandma’s Pecan Pie

Give Grandma a break from baking this year and serve these kicked-up pecans just right for nibbling. The spiced pecans made by executive chef Peter Davis at Henrietta’s Table, the restaurant at the AAA Four Diamond Rated Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., are spicy and satisfying. Toast pecans, then toss with melted butter and maple syrup. Then, dust them in cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cardamom, paprika and cinnamon.

Do you serve up traditional fare or spice up old recipes at your Thanksgiving table? Share in the comments.

For more recipes from AAA diamond-rated chefs, visit AAA.com/FoodForAll.

Even in the most chaotic cities, gardens big and small are a balm for the soul, enwrapping us in tranquility. Beyond giving us a botanical education, gardens also reveal the artistry of different landscaping styles and offer insights into a destination’s culture, history and geology.

1. Gulbenkian Gardens, Lisbon, Portugal

Paths weaving through dark woodland and thick brush suddenly open to a sun-filled meadow in these gardens around the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a major cultural and art institution. Streams crisscross the leafy landscape where visitors often lounge beside a lake, attend a con-cert at the al fresco amphitheater or bring binoculars for birdwatching.

2. Gardens of Suan Pakkad Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Set in the unlikeliest location, beside a car-choked highway, a verdant oasis surrounds the elegant teak Thai houses comprising this former palace cum art museum. Behind tall walls, orange jasmine, heliconia, golden shower trees and other botanicals grow in this expanse where small tributaries flow from a broad pond.

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

Sprawling along the slopes of Table Mountain, this tiered garden is renowned for its extensive variety of native flora, including endangered species. The stepped terrain holds a Braille trail and numerous individual gardens, some devoted to ancient cycads, and medicinal and fragrant plants.

4. Japanese Gardens, Buenos Aires, Argentina

In this harmonious garden of cherry, ginkgo and other Japan-sourced trees as well as native flora, vibrant crimson footbridges span streams and a koi-stocked lake. Vines drape a pergola near a tumbling waterfall, an ornate tea house offers private ceremonies and a zigzag-shaped bridge provides different views from each angle along its length.

5. Seoullo 7017 Skygarden, Seoul, South Korea

Soaring high above Seoul’s main railroad station, an abandoned highway overpass has been transformed into a half-mile, green promenade. More than 20,000 flowers, shrubs and trees from all over South Korea are sprinkled along this elevated corridor that’s also peppered with entertainment options, including children’s trampolines and a shallow, tiled, foot-soaking pool.

6. Gardens of the Rodin Museum, Paris, France

This 7-acre garden has two tiny themed walks beside a central lawn: the Garden of Springs with winding paths, miniature pools and trickling springs and the Garden of Orpheus with blooms amid rockeries. The Thinker and other Rodin sculptures dot the landscape where some 2,000 rose bushes thrive.

7. Reykjavik Botanic Garden, Reykjavik, Iceland

In a country noted for its austere landscape, the 60-foot-high Sitka spruce trees clustered in this garden are a treat. Visitors who stroll the network of paths winding through shady wood-land and sunny stretches can explore myriad botanical collections of native flora and specimens from as far away as the Himalayas.

8. Gardens of the Golden Rock Inn, Nevis, Caribbean

Renowned designer Raymond Jungles transformed the grounds of this former sugar plantation into a wild garden lush with African tulips, lipstick palms, bougainvillea and other blooms. Splashes of reds, oranges, and purples stand out against a blanket of green pierced by volcanic boulders.

9. El Capricho Park, Madrid, Spain

Despite its distance from downtown Madrid, horticulture enthusiasts flock to this expansive park that was commissioned in the 18th century as a garden playground for aristocrats. Its romantic vibe is evoked by ornamental finds, like a French-style parterre of boxwood hedges, laurel trees arranged in a hide-and-seek labyrinth, elaborate fountains and a striking palace.

10. River Gallery Sculpture Garden, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Overlooking the Tennessee River, this petite garden is speckled with sculptural works by Frank Stella and other notables, with a formal garden giving way to more naturalistic landscaping. On this 2-acre site, a ribbon of a path parallels a slim stream that ends at a tiny cascade where, surprisingly, a bronze of several fish hides.

Let’s be honest. College is just plain expensive.

A bachelor’s degree can cost anywhere from $37,000 to over $130,000, according to the College Board. In 2017, members of Generation X had outstanding student loans averaging $40,000, according to Experian’s State of Student Debt report. Compare that to baby boomers, who owed an average of $36,200, and millennials, who owed about $33,600.

Donald Kerr, senior manager of student lending for AAA Northeast, recommends researching financing options for specific schools.

“It’s good to know what resources are available ahead of time,” he said. “Researching your options ahead of time will save headaches and heartache down the road.”

Exploring alternatives to a bachelor’s degree may save you some money. Here are some options.

Community College

Students attending public two-year colleges pay $3,440 per year on average in tuition and fees as opposed to the whopping $32,410 that students at private four-year colleges pay, according to the College Board.

There are community colleges within commuting distance of 90 percent of the U.S. population, according to The Princeton Review, saving students money on campus housing fees.

Still have your sights set on a four-year degree? Credits earned at a community college are transferrable to most four-year colleges. Research the institution you’re interested in transferring to for its transfer credit policy.

Distance Learning

One of the biggest attractions of distance learning is flexibility. Taking online courses gives you the freedom to work around busy schedules and complete your coursework whenever you choose, based on your professor’s instructions.

And you can get your work done wherever you feel most comfortable. So, if you want to listen to a lecture in your local coffee shop, cappuccino in hand, nothing’s stopping you.

Technical Training

Technical colleges offer shortened educations focused on a specific skill set in careers in fields like plumbing, carpentry, hospitality, health care, information technology, cosmetology and the culinary arts. They’re affordable, too. Attending trade school costs $33,000 on average, much less than the estimated cost of a bachelor’s degree, according to Career School Now, a career school network.

A report by JPMorgan Chase & Co. showed that 4 million skilled-services jobs that don’t require bachelor’s degrees were added in 34 states. The emphasis on pursuing a bachelor’s degree has opened the job market for such workers, almost guaranteeing a job in your chosen field of study.

Do you have money-saving tips and advice for pursuing a college degree? Share in the comments!

AAA can help pay for college. Visit AAA.com/StudentLending.